Between Weather Systems
Yesterday’s rain maker is pulling away from New England this morning with its precipitation already having exited the Finger Lakes.
Clouds remain thick across the area and will likely remain as such for most of the morning hours. This afternoon, however, sunshine will gradually take over. By the late afternoon, most areas should be sunny and clear.
A steady north wind with speeds around 10 mph will blow behind the departing low pressure system, making today the coolest day of the work week.
Even with that designation, it will be mild by early March standards. Everyone will get above 45 degrees today, and highs may reach 50 degrees in the broad valleys of the Southern Tier and near Syracuse.
Mostly clear skies will persist tonight, though a few thin clouds may work their way in after midnight. Wind speeds will drop, and the wind direction will turn to the southeast. Overnight temperatures will range from the upper 20s to low 30s.
On Friday, it will be the morning that is sunny while the afternoon turns increasingly cloudier. Light southeast and south winds will persist, giving temperatures a boost.
Afternoon highs will mostly be in the mid 50s, but the usual valleys of the Southern Tier, the Genesee Valley, and the Rochester and Syracuse metro areas will all be in the upper 50s to near 60 degrees.
Friday night will be warmer than Thursday night as clouds continue to increase, and south winds become blustery. Wind speed will build to near 15 mph with gusts, especially over higher elevations, over 30 mph. Overnight lows will be in the upper 30s and low 40s.
Saturday morning will be cloudy and blustery but mainly dry, with temperatures warming into the mid and upper 40s.
Next Weather Makers
Rain will move in during the midday and afternoon hours on Saturday. At first, there will be spotty showers through the mid afternoon. Late in the afternoon, rain will increase in coverage and intensity. Widespread rain will continue into the evening hours.
Precipitation will become more scattered after midnight. Most of what falls Saturday night will remain rain, but some snow will start to mix in during the predawn hours.
The biggest concern on Sunday will be blustery winds. Coming in from the west-northwest, wind speeds will be 15-20 mph with gusts of 35-45 mph.
If the wind stays more west than north, then just a few scattered lake effect snow showers will be expected on Sunday. If the winds are more north than west, snow showers would increase through the region.
Temperatures will start Sunday in the mid and upper 30s but will lose a few degrees during the morning. Most of the day will be in the mid 30s before slipping below freezing after sunset.
With these temperatures, daytime snow accumulations are not expected, except perhaps a light coating of snow that mostly melts between snow showers.
Wind direction will play a role in the lake effect Sunday night into Monday as well, with the same stipulations as the daytime hours Sunday. Like Sunday, daytime accumulations on Monday are unlikely. However, Sunday night into early Monday, some select areas could see a couple of inches.
Monday will also be blustery, but already temperatures will start to moderate with a high near 40 degrees.
Tuesday looks quiet, with lots of sunshine and highs jumping to near 50 degrees. Upper 50s are expected next Wednesday with a few late showers.
The end of next week looks warm with a new weather system eventually moving in Friday or Saturday. Another two or three days flirting with or exceeding 60 degrees looks possible.
Temperatures will retreat through the weekend, and the following week overall looks cool. This is in line with the earlier indications that the second half of March would be cooler, relative to average, than the first half.
More Information:
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This graphic represents an average over the entire Finger Lakes region. Localized variations should be expected. Stay Updated With Email Alerts
